Just as it is important to have document shredding policy, having a solution for destroying your digital data is also a must. Bad actors can access a treasure trove of information on unwanted hard drives and computer devices. In this blog, we answer your data destruction questions.
Q: What data should I destroy?
A: Destroy any data that is no longer useful and/or you are no longer required to maintain. Unwanted computer equipment and media with sensitive data may include:
- CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays
- VCR and cassette tapes
- Portable USB drives
- Flash drives
Q: I have erased my backup tapes hard drives? Can’t I just sell them?
A: A study by the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) found that 40 percent of used electronic devices sold on the secondhand market contained personally identifiable information (PII). With rudimentary skills and easily-obtainable software, someone can extract valuable personally identifiable information (PII) from an “erased” device. Physical destruction is the only solution that ensures the data on your old backup tapes and drives cannot be extracted. A hard drive and media shredding provider uses specialized shredders that apply massive force onto the media, crushing it and cutting it into pieces, rendering all data irrecoverable.
Q: Is data destruction required by law?
A: Yes. Your obligation to protect customer and staff information extends to properly destroying all their data. Several federal privacy protection laws mandate the destruction of financial, medical and consumer information, including the following regulations:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA)
- The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
A hard drive and media shredding provider provides a Certificate of destruction that includes the date, location and summary of materials collected and destroyed, offering your company documented proof of its compliance with state and federal privacy regulations.
Q: What happens to my e-waste?
A: After destroying your items, a reputable hard drive and media shredding provider separates and recycles the e-waste through a raw material extraction process so it can be used to produce new metal and plastic products. They issue a Certificate of Recycling at the end of the e-recycling process.
Q: How should I choose a data destruction provider?
A: Always check references. To make sure your data is destroyed to the highest ethical and professional standards, choose a NAID AAA Certified data destruction provider. They must pass ongoing, unannounced audits by third-party security professionals that assess the following areas:
- Operational security
- Employee hiring and screening
- Responsible disposal of material
- Liability insurance
By using a NAID AAA Certified hard drive and media shredding service, you offer your data the protection it deserves.
Richards & Richards is proud to offer shredding and destruction services for businesses throughout Nashville.
For more information about our hard drive and media shredding solutions, please call us at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page.
